Over ten years ago, I was asked—well, told—that I would be the yearbook adviser. Like any good new hire, I responded with a cheerful, “Sure!” despite never having been on a yearbook staff or newspaper team, and without a degree in journalism or any formal training in student publications. I walked into a yearbook program left in chaos, where the former adviser had exited on bad terms, and calling the staffers "hostile" would be putting it mildly. I learned everything the hard way and entirely on my own—through trial, error, late nights, and more than a few tears. Over time, though, I not only figured it out, but I also grew to love advising the yearbook. I was lucky to gain the support of my school administration, faculty, and student body, as well as a fantastic yearbook publishing company and a rockstar yearbook rep. So if you’re a new yearbook adviser wondering where to start, here are the first five things you need to do right now to set yourself -- and your staff -- up for success.